Businessman who threatened women in Sandton video loses lease and company roles after arrest

Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyima apologised after a video showing him making violent threats to women inside a Sandton restaurant went viral. The incident has led to criminal charges, the termination of a lease and the removal of Mudzinganyima from company positions.

Apology and acknowledgement

In a written statement, Mudzinganyima said the language he used was “unacceptable and unjustifiable” and that he should have removed himself from the situation and sought help from restaurant management. He said he accepted responsibility for his words and conduct and recognised the seriousness of his actions “particularly in a country confronting unacceptable levels of violence against women.”

He added he would “co-operate fully with law enforcement authorities regarding any investigation into the incident,” and said he was seeking professional guidance and would undertake a conflict-management programme.

Arrest and charges

Police in Gauteng confirmed a criminal case was opened after the video circulated. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said an intimidation case was registered on 19 September 2026 at Randburg police station. Nevhuhulwi said Mudzinganyima was arrested on Sunday morning, 20 September 2026, and was released on warning to appear before Randburg court on 1 October 2026. Police investigations are continuing.

Business and tenancy consequences

Steyn City Properties confirmed Mudzinganyima was one of their tenants and said it had terminated his lease agreement. Moriel Infrastructure Group said it had removed Mudzinganyima from his roles as chairman and director with immediate effect and that he would no longer represent or act on behalf of the company. The group condemned his actions and said it remained committed to a safe and respectful environment for employees, stakeholders and the wider community.

Government directions and probes

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy directed the board of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to establish whether Moriel Infrastructure Group’s appointment complied with the law and whether the company was meeting its contractual terms. Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day and whether the company met grading requirements used to secure government contracts.

The incident at Vlamo restaurant

The footage was filmed at Vlamo restaurant inside Sandton Gate and showed Mudzinganyima making threats to women, including the statements,

“I’ll murder you now and walk”

and

“I’ll put a bullet in all of you.”

In the video he is also heard claiming he could buy the restaurant.

Vlamo said Mudzinganyima was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with the restaurant. The establishment said he was removed from the premises once management became aware of the incident and that it filed the criminal charges. Vlamo said it was co-operating fully with authorities and that the women involved would provide relevant information and footage to assist the investigation.

What authorities and companies have said

Police confirmed the intimidation case and the arrest. Steyn City Properties and Moriel Infrastructure Group issued statements terminating their relationships with Mudzinganyima and condemning his actions. Ministers Creecy and Macpherson have instructed probes into the company’s appointments and CIDB gradings.

This article is based solely on reporting published by IOL and statements included in that coverage.